Physics
If you love Physics, here are some of the most suitable careers for you. These careers use their knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes in their job.
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
operate or control nuclear reactors. Move control rods, start and stop equipment, monitor and adjust controls, and record data in logs. Implement emergency procedures when needed. May respond to abnormalities, determine cause, and recommend corrective action.
$104470
No degree required
Physics Professors
teach courses pertaining to the laws of matter and energy. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
$101290
Doctoral degree
Strong job growth
High job satisfaction
Engineering Professors
teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
$114130
Doctoral degree
Strong job growth
High job satisfaction
Hydrologists
research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation and its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and return to the ocean and atmosphere.
$90150
Master’s degree
Strong job growth
Atmospheric and Space Scientists
investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data, gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses. Includes weather analysts and forecasters whose functions require the detailed knowledge of meteorology.
$100550
Bachelor’s degree
Strong job growth
Physicists
conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.
$137700
Doctoral degree
Strong job growth
High job satisfaction
Astronomers
observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.
$126250
Doctoral degree
Strong job growth
Materials Scientists
research and study the structures and chemical properties of various natural and synthetic or composite materials, including metals, alloys, rubber, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, and glass. Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications. Includes glass scientists, ceramic scientists, metallurgical scientists, and polymer scientists.
$104450
Bachelor’s degree
Biochemists and Biophysicists
study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms.
$104810
Doctoral degree
Strong job growth
High job satisfaction
Nanosystems Engineers
design, develop, or supervise the production of materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition, applying principles of nanoscale physics and electrical, chemical, or biological engineering.
$107060
Master’s degree
High job satisfaction
Photonics Engineers
design technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology.
$107060
Bachelor’s degree
High job satisfaction
Wind Energy Engineers
design underground or overhead wind farm collector systems and prepare and develop site specifications.
$107060
Bachelor’s degree
High job satisfaction
Nuclear Engineers
conduct research on nuclear engineering projects or apply principles and theory of nuclear science to problems concerned with release, control, and use of nuclear energy and nuclear waste disposal.
$125130
Bachelor’s degree
Strong job growth
Mechanical Engineers
perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems.
$95560
Bachelor’s degree
Marine Engineers
design, develop, and take responsibility for the installation of ship machinery and related equipment including propulsion machines and power supply systems.
$99590
Bachelor’s degree
Strong job growth
High job satisfaction
Fuel Cell Engineers
design, evaluate, modify, or construct fuel cell components or systems for transportation, stationary, or portable applications.
$95560
Bachelor’s degree
High job satisfaction
Marine Architects
design and oversee construction and repair of marine craft and floating structures such as ships, barges, tugs, dredges, submarines, torpedoes, floats, and buoys. May confer with marine engineers.
$99590
Doctoral degree
Strong job growth
High job satisfaction
Materials Engineers
evaluate materials and develop machinery and processes to manufacture materials for use in products that must meet specialized design and performance specifications. Develop new uses for known materials. Includes those engineers working with composite materials or specializing in one type of material, such as graphite, metal and metal alloys, ceramics and glass, plastics and polymers, and naturally occurring materials. Includes metallurgists and metallurgical engineers, ceramic engineers, and welding engineers.
$100550
Bachelor’s degree
Chemical Engineers
design chemical plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products, such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, and pulp, by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics, and engineering.
$114820
Bachelor’s degree
High job satisfaction
Biomedical Engineers
apply knowledge of engineering, biology, chemistry, computer science, and biomechanical principles to the design, development, and evaluation of biological, agricultural, and health systems and products, such as artificial organs, prostheses, instrumentation, medical information systems, and health management and care delivery systems.
$98340
Bachelor’s degree
Strong job growth
Computer Hardware Engineers
research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.
$126140
Bachelor’s degree
High job satisfaction
Aerospace Engineers
perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.
$121110
Bachelor’s degree
High job satisfaction
Agricultural Engineers
apply knowledge of engineering technology and biological science to agricultural problems concerned with power and machinery, electrification, structures, soil and water conservation, and processing of agricultural products.
$101620
Bachelor’s degree
High job satisfaction